Premium 6 Hour Chesapeake Bay Fishing with Captain Mike
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour inshore fishing charter targeting Croaker and Spot speciesCaptain Mike guides scenic tours accommodating up to four guestsAll fishing equipment provided for relaxed bay water experience
Captain Mike's got the perfect setup for anglers who want to mix some solid fishing with the beauty of the Chesapeake Bay. This 6-hour charter strikes that sweet balance between putting lines in the water and soaking up everything this legendary estuary has to offer. You'll cruise past historic shorelines, spot ospreys diving for dinner, and work some productive waters where stripers, Spanish mackerel, and other Bay favorites like to hang out. With room for up to 4 guests, it's sized just right for couples wanting a romantic day on the water or families looking to get the kids hooked on fishing. Captain Mike provides all the tackle and know-how—you just need to bring your Maryland fishing license, some snacks, and maybe a cooler for your catch.
The Chesapeake Bay is pure fishing gold, and Captain Mike knows every productive drop-off, grass bed, and structure where fish love to feed. You'll start the morning running to his current hot spots, which change with the tides, seasons, and what's been biting lately. The boat's equipped with quality rods, reels, and a tackle box full of proven baits that work in these waters. Between fishing spots, you'll get front-row seats to some of the most beautiful scenery on the East Coast. Watch watermen working their crab pots, catch glimpses of historic lighthouses, and keep your eyes peeled for dolphins that occasionally cruise through the area. The pace stays relaxed—this isn't a race to fill the cooler, it's about enjoying a day where fishing and sightseeing blend perfectly together. Captain Mike's been running these waters long enough to read the conditions and adjust the plan based on what's working best that day.
Captain Mike runs a top-rated operation with gear that's maintained and ready to fish. You'll be working with medium-action spinning rods paired with reels that can handle everything from schoolie stripers to bull redfish. The tackle selection includes bottom rigs for croaker and spot, bucktails for working grass edges, and live bait setups when the fish are being picky. Depending on conditions and what's feeding, you might be drift fishing over oyster bars, anchoring up on structure, or making strategic moves to follow the birds when they're diving on baitfish. The captain reads the water and adjusts techniques throughout the day—maybe starting with live spot for stripers early, then switching to bottom fishing for croaker and spot as the sun gets higher. Everything's included in your charter fee, so you won't need to worry about buying the right hooks or finding fresh bait. Just show up ready to learn and have Captain Mike put you on fish using methods that have been working in the Chesapeake for generations.
Spanish mackerel are absolute rockets when they hit your line, and the Chesapeake Bay serves up some of the best Spanish fishing on the East Coast. These silver bullets typically show up in good numbers from late spring through early fall, and they're suckers for small spoons, bucktails, and live bait. What makes them so fun is the way they hit—no gentle taps, just a screaming drag and acrobatic jumps that'll get your heart pumping. Most Spanish in the Bay run 1-3 pounds, perfect eating size, and they travel in schools so when you find one, there's usually more around.
Striped bass are the Chesapeake's crown jewel, and for good reason. These fish are built for the Bay's mix of fresh and salt water, and they've been the backbone of fishing here for centuries. Rockfish, as locals call them, can range from schoolies that are perfect for kids to learn on, all the way up to trophy fish pushing 30+ pounds. Spring and fall are prime time when they're feeding heavily during their migrations, but summer fishing can be world-class too if you know where to look. What anglers love most about stripers is their fight—they'll make long runs, dive for structure, and keep you honest right up to the net.
Spadefish might not be as famous as stripers, but they're becoming a customer favorite for good reason. These disc-shaped fighters show up around structure during summer months, and they're surprisingly strong for their size. Most spadefish in the Bay run 2-4 pounds, and they're excellent table fare with white, flaky meat that rivals any restaurant fish. They can be a little tricky to hook since they're notorious bait stealers, but Captain Mike knows the techniques to get them in the boat.
Redfish are the Bay's newest success story, with populations rebounding beautifully over the past decade. These copper-colored bruisers are trending as one of the most sought-after species, and for good reason—they fight like freight trains and make for amazing photo opportunities with their distinctive spot patterns. Bull reds can push 40+ inches and provide some of the best fights you'll find in the Chesapeake. They're catch-and-release only for the big ones, but the experience of battling a red drum in shallow water is something every angler should experience.
Cobia are the Bay's gentle giants, cruising the shallows during summer months like underwater submarines. These brown sharks (as some folks call them) can reach impressive sizes—30, 40, even 50+ pounds—and they're curious fish that will often come right up to the boat to investigate. Sight fishing for cobia is some of the most exciting fishing the Chesapeake offers. You'll see their distinctive shape gliding through the water, make a perfect cast, and watch them decide whether your bait is worth eating. When they commit, hang on tight because cobia are powerful fish that know how to use their size and strength.
Captain Mike's scenic fishing charters book up fast, especially during prime fishing season when the Spanish mackerel are
Step aboard our 25-foot C-Hawk center console and get ready to explore the productive waters of Chesapeake Bay. This reliable 2015 vessel packs a 250HP Yamaha engine that'll cruise you comfortably to the best fishing spots at up to 34 knots. The spacious deck gives you and up to 3 other anglers plenty of room to work your lines without getting tangled up. Captain Mike uses the onboard fish finder to locate schools of Croaker and Spot, while GPS navigation keeps us on the most productive structure and drop-offs. When nature calls, there's a head onboard, and the flybridge gives you elevated views of the bay's wildlife and coastline between bites. Perfect for couples or small groups who want to combine some light fishing action with the natural beauty of the Chesapeake.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the Bay's brown sharks that aren't actually sharks - these dark, torpedo-shaped fish are serious game. They typically run 20-50 pounds and are incredibly strong fighters that will test your tackle. Look for them around buoys, channel markers, and crab pot lines in 15-50 feet during late spring and summer. They're curious fish that often surface to check out the boat. What guests love is the sight-fishing aspect and that bulldogging fight. Plus, cobia are some of the best eating fish in the Bay - firm, white meat like a cross between grouper and shark. Pro tip: when you spot one cruising near the surface, drop a bucktail jig or live eel right in front of its nose and hang on tight.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish, or red drum, are bronze-colored powerhouses with that signature black spot near the tail. In the Bay, most run 18-30 inches and put up a serious fight with long, steady runs. They love shallow flats, oyster bars, and grass beds in 2-6 feet of water where they cruise looking for crabs and baitfish. Late summer and fall bring the best action as they fatten up for winter. What makes them special is that they're sight-fishing targets - you can actually see them tailing in skinny water. The meat is firm and tasty too. Here's my local secret: look for nervous water over the flats during moving tides, and throw a gold spoon or soft plastic crab imitation ahead of where they're heading.
Chaetodipterus FaberSpadefish are the Bay's most unique-looking catch with their disk-shaped bodies and bold black stripes. They average 2-4 pounds and hang in schools around structure like bridge pilings, reefs, and wrecks in 15-40 feet of water. Summer and early fall are prime time when they move into our warmer waters. What's fun about spadefish is their curious nature - they'll often circle the boat checking you out. They're also surprisingly strong fighters for their size. The meat is mild and excellent table fare. These fish can be picky eaters, but here's the trick: use small pieces of clam or cut bait on tiny hooks, and fish right in the structure where they feel safe. Patience pays off with these guys.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are fast, streamlined fish with distinctive yellow spots along their silvery sides. They typically run 1-2 feet and 3-5 pounds in the Bay, though bigger ones show up. These speed demons travel in schools and love to chase baitfish near the surface, especially around structure and drop-offs. Best action happens late spring through fall when water temps warm up. They're aggressive feeders that hit spoons, jigs, and live bait hard. Guests love the screaming runs and acrobatic jumps they put up. Plus, they're fantastic eating - mild, flaky meat that grills perfectly. Pro tip: when you see birds working or bait splashing, get there fast and cast small spoons into the chaos.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the crown jewel of Chesapeake Bay fishing. These silver beauties with their signature black stripes can range from schoolie size up to 30+ pound bulls. They're structure-oriented fish that love hanging around bridge pilings, drop-offs, and channel edges. Spring and fall migrations bring the best action when they're feeding heavily. What makes them special is that powerful fight - they'll strip line and dive deep. The meat is excellent too, firm and sweet when cooked right. They're curious fish that often follow the boat, so sight fishing can be productive. My go-to tip: fish early morning or late evening around moving water, and don't be afraid to downsize your bait when they're being picky.
Chesapeake Bay